The Master of Science degree in Exercise Science at Emmanuel College will feature a required core curriculum of 18 semester hours. Then, students may elect from one of two concentrations to specialize in:

  1. Strength and Conditioning
  2. Health and Human Performance.

The Strength and Conditioning concentration at Emmanuel College is designed to assist students to pass the prestigious National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.

“Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.” (NSCA.com) 

The Health and Human Performance concentration in the Master of Science in Exercise Science at Emmanuel College is designed to assist students in passing the prestigious American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP®) exam.

ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists are fitness professionals in exercise science qualified to pursue a career in university, corporate, commercial, hospital, and community settings. ACSM-EPs not only conduct complete physical assessments – but also interpret the results to prescribe appropriate, personalized exercise programs.


Professional Licensure

The Master of Exercise Science program with concentrations in Strength and Conditioning, and Human Health and Performance is designed for individuals with an Exercise Science background. The program results in students choosing to take one of two certification tests based on their concentration choice. . The first exam is the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. The second exam is the American College of Sport Medicine’s Certified Exercise Physiologist. Graduating from the program does not lead to certification. Students can earn their master’s degree even if they do not pass their certification exam. If students do not pass, they will need to follow the organizations instructions on re-testing. 


MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE CURRICULUM (33 hrs)

  • EX500 – Research Design & Methods in Exercise Science (3 hrs):  This course focuses on a study of research methods, procedures, and design in exercise science. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, evaluation, and application.
  • EX510 – Applied Exercise Physiology (3 hrs):   Examination of physiological adaptations to exercise training in health and disease along with physiological responses to environmental stress.
  • EX520 – Sport Nutrition (3 hrs): Sports Nutrition enables students to translate theory into practice and to relate content to fitness and sports. Included are topics on weight and body composition, eating disorders and guidelines for proper nutrition.
  • EX600 – Sport Psychology (3 hrs):  This course examines the application of psychological theories and research to sports, exercise, and health behaviors. Case studies from a variety of sports will be explored to develop a set of psychological skills that can be applied across sports.
  • EX620 – Fitness & Health Promotion (3 hrs):  This course is for students currently working in or preparing for careers in the health and fitness industry. This course prepares students for the certified personal trainer exam of the NSCA or the ACSM.
  • EX640 – Sport Performance Training (3 hrs): An analysis of sport performance training methods and techniques utilized to assist athletes achieve maximum performance.
Strength Training & Conditioning Concentration
  • EX530 – Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (3 hrs): This class explores the foundations of strength and conditioning as established by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Students will design and critique program based on NSCA guidelines. This course is designed to prepare students interested in becoming Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) through the NSCA.
  • EX540 – Advanced Strength and Conditioning Theory (3 hrs):  This class examines the principles and practices of periodization. Students will develop periodization programs based on foundational and current literature and learn to critique and justify program selection.
  • EX650 – Practicum in Strength Training and Conditioning (3 hrs): This class provides students the opportunity to develop and implement a strength and conditioning program through working with an athletic team under the supervision of a CSCS. Students are responsible for program selection and assessment of program results.
  • EX660 – Seminar in Strength Training and Conditioning (3 hrs): This class provides exploration analysis of advanced topics strength and conditioning. Evaluation of current industry trends and practices. Creation of a personal strength and conditioning, Christ-centered philosophy.
Health & Human Performance Concentration
  • EX550 – Health & Fitness Coaching (3 hrs): This course explores professional health coaching to prepare students to assist clients to make behavioral changes from a Christian perspective.
  • EX570 – Advanced Exercise Testing & Prescription (3 hrs): This course is a study of the laboratory and field tests used for assessing physical fitness components as well as principles of exercise prescription. Test results are used in developing individualized exercise prescriptions to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body weight and body composition, and flexibility.
  • EX660 – Exercise Counseling & Behavior Modification (3 hrs): This course explores professional health coaching preparing students to assist clients make behavioral changes from a Christian perspective.
  • EX670 – Exercise for Special Populations (3 hrs): This course presents exercise prescription relative to diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and immunologic systems
  • EX690 – Capstone Assessment Project (3 hrs): Students will be required to sit for either the NSCA-CSCS or the ACSM-EPC exam based on their area of concentration. Results from the exam will be shared with professors from these areas.

Click here for a downloadable version of the course curriculum and description.